Buying a sewing machine today feels like buying a car (at least to me)! With so many features and other qualities to be on the lookout for, I knew from the moment that I started my research to purchase my next sewing machine that it was going to be nothing less than a huge challenge. Of course, this is even harder when you consider that actually testing out most of these machines is impossible. So, I sat scratching my head and wondering what to do.
Then, it hit me! Why would I spend hours looking through sewing machines and not knowing how they really worked when I could just take a shortcut and look directly at the reviews themselves! This way, you can avoid the sales pitches and promised features from manufacturers and just go straight to the customers who already have and use the machines. I thought that I was really on to something here, and once I started looking through reviews, I knew that I was doing things right.
Think about it: it’s like taking your new machine for a test drive without actually having to do the driving yourself! This makes it incredibly easy to narrow down your options and make a selection specifically based on what you want to get out of a machine.
That’s why the next time you want to purchase a sewing machine, you can come to [insert brand] for the selection, options, and other features that you’re looking for the make sure that your next purchase is the right purchase for you!
Start by Asking Yourself a Few Key Questions
When you start looking for any product, there are always a few key questions that you should keep in mind to help guide your decision. This can include everything from what kind of quality you’re looking for to how often you believe you’ll be using it and more.
But let’s start at the beginning to make sure that you’re getting everything that you want out of your next sewing machine, and more!
What Types of Sewing Do I Want to Do?
This is one of the first questions you should ask yourself as you begin your hunt for the perfect sewing machine. Typically, if you’re just planning on doing some basic sewing, you don’t need much more than a basic machine. However, if you want to do a bit more, like embroidery or quilting, you’re going to need one that packs some extra punch.
Is This a Long-Term Purchase or a Short-Term Fix?
When you’re in the market for a new sewing machine, you might not necessarily be looking for one that you’re going to use for years and years to come. In fact, you might just be looking for a short-term solution until you can afford the sewing machine of your dreams (because we can all dream, right?!).
What Kinds of Functions and Features are You Looking For?
Today, computerized sewing machines dominate. Many come equipped with LCD screens and amazing functions that a few decades ago people only dreamed of! However, it’s now becoming more and more commonplace to have a machine with all of these features, making it simple to get exactly what you need all from one convenient machine.
Of course, some of the more specific functions include different stitching styles, automatic needle threaders, and other convenient add-ons. For many, this is essential depending upon the type of work that you’ll be doing. For others, however, it’s important to remember that you should pick and choose wisely depending on how much you want to spend.
What Price Do I Want to Stay Around?
Of course, one of the overarching questions that you’re going to have to consider is how much you actually want to spend on your machine. This might even be a good place to start so that you don’t fall in love with a machine that you are unable to afford.
The best news is that many options are still extremely affordable and come in at well under $200. If you’re looking for something a bit more, you’ll probably end up spending around $300-$400. However, if you’re someone that powers up the sewing machine every day like I do, you’ll soon see why it’s worth the investment.
Listen to the Sewing Machine Reviews for the Top-Rated Choices – The Brother CS6000i Feature-Rich Sewing Machine
My top choice, and the machine that I eventually ended up buying after looking at countless others is the Brother CS6000i Feature-Rich Sewing Machine With 60 Built-In Stitches, 7 Styles of 1-Step Auto-Size Buttonholes, Quilting Table, and Hard Cover. This might sound like a mouthful (and indeed it is) but when you realize all of the features beyond just those in the title that this machine has to offer, you’ll see exactly why it was the best sewing machine for my needs.
The machine itself is an absolute value buy coming in at well under $200. However, it still does what many of the more expensive choices do, meaning that you get ultimate value when you choose to purchase this machine over any of your other options. Then, when I saw that this machine also came with a 25-year warranty, I couldn’t help but be sold. 25 years is virtually unheard of when it comes to sewing machines. So, I knew that I was making a purchase that would last me for years and years to come.
Be On the Lookout for These Key Features
Once you’ve asked yourself all of the basic questions, you’re going to need to begin narrowing things down to cover more specific features. This will help you make sure that you’re making the right purchasing decision, as sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed with features when you first start looking.
Types of Stitches
Many sewing machines today come with countless types of stitches that you can create just by hitting different options. This makes it particularly simple to embroider and complete all of your projects without having to spend extra energy or time doing so. If you’re anything like me, this is a major selling feature that you’ll appreciate each and every time you choose to use your machine.
Stitch Length Adjustment
Similarly, it’s important to consider if you can adjust the length of the stitches. This is a basic feature of even the more inexpensive options. However, if you’re looking to purchase a machine that offers real value (less than $100 when possible) you probably aren’t going to have access to a machine with stitch length adjustment.
Of course, this is another decision that you have to make on a personal level as not everyone will care that there isn’t a way to adjust the length. However, I know that for many intermediate and advanced sewers, this is a necessity.
Attachments
Attachments are like accessories, they really are everyone’s best friend! When it comes to sewing machine attachments, there are a few basic ones that you’ll want to be on the lookout for depending on how you want to use your machine.
For example, if you want to use your machine to make clothing, you should look for basic attachments like a buttonhole foot, zipper foot, and blind hem foot to make the process easier than ever. Of course, you can always purchase attachments separately so that you can do a wide range of sewing, quilting, embroidery, and other creative projects. However, it’s always helpful to see what a machine comes with first so that you can save a step and not even have to buy anything first.
Brand
In some cases like paper towels and certain other household items, brand is irrelevant. However, when it comes to sewing machines, considering the brand is essential.
This is because it’s always best to choose a brand with a well-established reputation for excellence, since you can count on it as a dependable resource for years to come.
Since I began sewing, Brother and SINGER continue to be two of the most innovative, dependable options available, giving you an easy shortcut when it comes to picking an option that is right for your needs.
Noise Level
If you have children, or in my case grandchildren, or simply don’t want to listen to your machine the whole time that you’re on it, then you should consider what the sewing machine reviews are saying about noise levels. In fact, noise levels often end up being a key factor in making a decision because no one likes a loud sewing machine!
Want More Options? Check Out These Other Sewing Machine Reviews!
Of course, I understand that my top choice for a sewing machine isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why I’ve chosen a few other options that you will want to consider from top-rated brands for reputable, dependable sewing for years to come.
Get Your Top Choice, and Get Going!
Stop thinking about your new sewing machine (and reading what I have to say) and get buying your own today! I wasn’t so excited to pick my new machine at first because I loved my old one so much but now that I have it, I can’t believe that I ever lived without it!
Feel free to browse all around my site and find all of the information that you need from reviews that I’ve put together as I tried to pick my own machine a few weeks ago! I know that I’ve had friends who have already told me how helpful my reviews were and now, you can benefit from them as well!
Of course, feel free to drop by any time you’re in the market for a new machine as well! I’ll be updating my site regularly as I find new options that I want to share!
Happy sewing!